Cognac Flashcards

1
Q

What is the EU definition of Brandy?

A

Spirit distilled from grapes (not pomace).
Minimum abv of 36%
6 mos minimum oak aging.

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2
Q

What are the six regions of Cognac?

A
Grande Champagne
Petite Champagne
Borderies
Fins Bois
Bons Bois
Bois Ordinaires (Bois à Terroirs)
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3
Q

What is the major soil type in Grande and Petite Champagne?

A

Soft Chalk

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4
Q

What are the grapes of Cognac?

A

Ugni Blanc (98% of acreage), Colombard, Folle Blanche

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5
Q

How is Cognac distilled?

A

Twice, in a Charantais pot still.

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6
Q

What is the first distillation of Cognac?

A

Brouillis, a spirit of 28-32% abv.

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7
Q

What is the second distillation of Cognac?

A

Bonne Chauffe

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8
Q

How is the bonne chauffe divided?

A

Tête
Coeur
Secondes
Queue

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9
Q

What cut of the bonne chauffe becomes Cognac?

A

The Coeur, making up about 40% of the Bonne Chauffe

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10
Q

What is the traditional oak for Cognac?

A

Limousin or Tronçais

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11
Q

What is VS or ***?

A

Very Special: Cognac aged at least 2 years in cask.

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12
Q

What is VSOP?

A

Very Special/Superior Old Pale: Cognac aged at least 4 years in cask.

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13
Q

What is XO?

A

Extra Old: Cognac matured at least 6 years in cask (will be 10 years starting in 2016).

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14
Q

What does the minimum age refer to?

A

The youngest eau-de-vie in the blend.

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15
Q

Does vintage Cognac exist?

A

Yes, but it’s very rare.

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16
Q

To list a specific region, how much of the Cognac must come from there?

A

100.00%

17
Q

What is Fine Champagne Cognac?

A

Cognac from wines produced exclusively in Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne, with at least 50% coming from Grande Champagne.

18
Q

What is the minimum aging for all AOC Cognac?

A

2 years in oak

19
Q

Along with VS and ***, what terms indicate a Cognac with at least two years of age?

A

de Luxe
Grand Choix
Surchoix

20
Q

What is Supérieur Cognac?

A

Cognac with a minimum 3 years of aging

21
Q

Along with VSOP, what terms indicate a cognac with at least four years of age?

A

VO

Réserve

22
Q

What do VVSOP and Grande Réserve indicate on a bottle of Cognac?

A

Cognac with a minimum 5 years of aging

23
Q

Along with XO, what terms currently indicate a Cognac with at least 6 years of age?

A
Napoléon
Extra
Royal
Très Vieux
Vieille Réserve
24
Q

What two terms indicate a Cognac with at least five years of age?

A

Grande Réserve

VVSOP

25
Q

What is Esprit de Cognac AOC?

A

The product of a third distillation in a pot still, with an average alcohol of 80-85%.
Used solely as an agent to adjust alcohol in Champagne.